Berkeley Springs youth group to stage holiday musical

December 06, 2007

BERKELEY SPRINGS, W.Va. ? Children at First Church in Berkeley Springs are taking to the stage this season. Twenty children ages 5 to 9 have gathered to sing, dance and celebrate in the new holiday musical "The Mystery of the Manger: It's the Gospel Truth!"

Performances will take place Saturday at 4 p.m. at First United Methodist Church.

Starring Aminta Ellis as "Jane Blonde" and Megan Dougherty as choir director "Mrs. Evans," the cast includes children promising to both entertain and enlighten.

From dance numbers to manger scenes, these children began meeting three months ago to rehearse their version of a Christmas celebration. Jess Martin, Children's ministries coordinator, said, "children competed with soccer practice, dance recitals and gymnastics to make a commitment to become a part of this special presentation."

The children even gave up part of their Thanksgiving break for a music and dance workshop.